AN Essex arable farmer who was duped in an elaborate tractor buying scam managed to recover £22,000 last week. Richard Bennett, 61, who farms just outside Brentwood, lost nearly £30,000 when he tried to buy a John Deere tractor online. Richard thought he was transferring the money to a legitimate dealership in France, having seen the tractor for sale on a farm machinery website. “Many businesses, including farms, are unaware that there is an ability to claim back money lost to fraud via their banks. “My friend went there with a copy of the invoice and said they’d come to pick up a tractor,” said Richard.